Thelypteris means "female fern", from the Greek: thelus = female, pteris = fern; simulata is Latin for similar -- this fern is similar to marsh fern.

Synonyms (Common Name)

Bog Fern

Description

Growing approximately 2' tall, Massachusetts fern is a medium, slender, twice-cut -- or bipinnate -- yellow-green fern. Massachusetts fern wasn't described as a distinct species until 1894 due of its close resemblance to its more common relatives, marsh fern (T. palustris var. pubescens) and New York fern (T. noveboracensis) It often occurs with the other two species, but prefers more shaded habitats than marsh fern and wetter habitats than New York fern.